Karthik Murali gets MAC Spin award

Pace and spin are the two chief facets of bowling. And while the MRF Pace Foundation is doing its bit in unearthing budding fast bowlers in India, the MAC Sports Foundation, also based in Chennai, is sparing no effort in upholding India's traditional strength - spin bowling. And as part of their objective, they present annually the MAC Spinner of the year to an outstanding young bowler in the country. On Monday, newly appointed Indian coach Kapil Dev presented the cash award of Rs 50,000 and a citiation to Karthik Murali, who has been picked for the India A team to play New Zealand.

Karthik, a promising left arm spinner, hails from Chennai but represents Railways in the Ranji Trophy. He has a number of good performances in the National competition and plays for the prominent club Vijay CC in the senior division league in Chennai.

Speaking on the occasion, Kapil Dev lauded the Foundation's objective to foster young spinners. He pointed out that spin was our traditional strength and even though medium pacers took over in the last ten or 15 years, quality spinners should be produced for a balanced attack. He also felt that the Indian Cricket Board could take the cue and have a camp for spin bowlers.

Ashwin Muthiah, chairman, MAC Sports Foundation said the objective was to identify, motivate and inspire spinners in the country. He also announced that the MAC Sports Foundation would henceforth be called the MAC Spin Foundation.

The President of the Indian Cricket Board AC Muthiah launched the website of the Foundation, saying the objective was to create awareness worldwide. Speaking about the new Indian coach, Muthiah said Kapil Dev has a lot of ideas to improve the standard of the game in the country.

Karthik Murali, in his reply, said the award would spur him to aim for greater deeds. He also thanked the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association as well as Bishen Bedi, Gursharan Singh, Maninder Singh and Kapil Dev for helping him at various stages of his career.